Our client is a private investment firm seeking a Legal Counsel to support its expanding investment activities across African markets. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will take responsibility for legal matters across fund formation, fundraising, investment transactions and business operations.
You will set legal priorities, advise senior decision-makers and manage legal and regulatory risk, combining technical judgement with practical commercial advice. Working closely with investment teams and specialist external advisers, you will provide hands-on support across the investment lifecycle.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Business legal advice
Advise the chief executive, partners and management on matters affecting the business, its funds, transactions and portfolio investments.
Develop a dependable network of legal advisers and manage external counsel, controlling costs and maintaining the quality of advice.
Lead legal work on changes to the corporate structure and track relevant legislative developments.
Protect intellectual property and advise on trademarks, patents, copyright and licensing; manage disputes and coordinate litigation support when needed.
Fund formation and fundraising
Lead the legal aspects of establishing funds, including regulatory applications and filings, limited partnership agreements, private placement memoranda, subscription agreements and side letters.
Negotiate fund terms with limited partners across investment strategies and ensure that continuing obligations under fund documents are met.
Review agreements with fund service providers and work with external lawyers and administrators to complete fund closings.
Coordinate advisers and relevant regulators to support fundraising within applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Prepare materials for investor and advisory committee meetings; draft, review and negotiate fund contracts, confidentiality agreements, engagement letters and memoranda of understanding.
Investment transactions
Oversee legal issues identified during due diligence on potential investments and those arising within the existing portfolio.
Advise investment teams on structuring, negotiating and completing acquisitions, investments and exits across asset classes.
Work with deal teams and external counsel to address legal risk in transaction documents, providing direct legal input where required.
Develop consistent transaction terms and working practices, and improve templates such as term sheets and confidentiality agreements.
Governance and operational support
Oversee adherence to applicable law, regulatory obligations and internal procedures across jurisdictions, including requirements governing marketing activities.
Advise on corporate governance and identify, assess and reduce legal exposure across the business.
Provide legal support across investment, finance, operations and specialist business teams.
Provide advice on employment, technology, facilities and other operational matters.
What We’re Looking For:
Your qualifications and experience
A qualified lawyer with at least five years of experience at an established law firm, together with in-house experience within a general partner organisation.
Experience in alternative investments, such as private equity, infrastructure, real estate or venture capital.
A thorough understanding of private fund structures, limited partnership agreements and co-investment rights.
Direct involvement in fundraising is essential.
Strong technical legal knowledge and the commercial judgement to translate it into workable advice.
A track record of managing projects and leading legal processes.
How you work
You take a structured, accurate approach and communicate clearly with colleagues and advisers. You can handle competing demands, exercise independent judgement and develop practical solutions. The role suits a committed, adaptable and self-directed lawyer who enjoys broad responsibility and is willing to contribute hands-on in an entrepreneurial environment.
